May 28

Written by Chris Bunda

Office printers are one of those behind-the-scenes workhorses that keep your business running—until they don’t. Replacing them too often can be costly, and unexpected downtime disrupts productivity. The good news? A few simple habits can go a long way in extending the life of your laser or thermal printers—saving you time, money, and headaches in the long run.

At BBCS, we’ve seen it all—from worn-out rollers to dried-out toners and preventable breakdowns. So we’re sharing some tried-and-true tips that help our customers maximize printer life and reduce service calls.

 

  1. Stick to Quality Supplies: Using the right toner, ink, labels, or ribbons isn’t just about print quality—it protects your hardware. Low-quality or incompatible supplies can clog printheads, cause jams, or wear down internal components faster.
    Pro Tip: Stick with factory-authorized or recommended supplies. BBCS offers competitive pricing on OEM and high-quality compatible products for all major brands.
  2. Don’t Ignore Maintenance Kits: Most laser printers have recommended maintenance intervals—rollers, fusers, and other components wear over time. Replacing these parts on schedule can dramatically extend your printer’s lifespan.
    Pro Tip: Ask us about scheduled maintenance kits for your specific model—we can help you stay ahead of costly failures.
  3. Keep It Clean (Inside & Out): Dust, label residue, and debris can wreak havoc on your printer’s internal mechanisms. Wipe down external surfaces regularly, and carefully clean paper paths and rollers using manufacturer-approved tools or materials.
    Pro Tip: If your thermal printer handles barcode labels or high-volume media, regular cleaning is especially important to avoid buildup on the printhead.
  4. Handle Paper and Labels Correctly: Use the correct size, weight, and type of paper or labels for your specific printer. Improper media can cause jams or unnecessary wear on rollers and sensors.
    Pro Tip: Store media in a dry, cool place to prevent curling or humidity-related feed issues.
  5. Power Down Properly: Many printers enter a low-power mode automatically, but when shutting down completely, follow the correct process. Hard shut-offs or power surges can shorten component life.
    Pro Tip: Consider plugging your printers into surge protectors or battery backups—especially in high-usage areas like warehouses or production floors.
  6. Don’t Wait for Problems to Get Worse: Strange noises, frequent jams, or inconsistent print quality are often early warning signs. Addressing small issues early can prevent big breakdowns.
    Pro Tip: BBCS offers service contracts and on-site printer support—we’re here when you need us.

    Final Thoughts
    Your office printer is an investment—taking care of it doesn’t have to be complicated. A few proactive steps can make a big difference in printer longevity and performance.

     

    Need help with supplies, service, or maintenance kits? Contact the team at BBCS—we’re here to help keep your business running smoothly.